Compare florists - get ideas by window shopping and looking at wedding pictures in magazines.

From most feedback we've gotten, flowers should be a smaller part of the budget. No more than 10% and usually more like 5%. Most couples seem to feel it's more wise to spend the money on photos and favors.

If there is an arrangement you see in a magazine that you like, clip it and put it in your 3-ring binder (hopefully you have the envelope with 3-hole punched… makes it really easy). Bring the pictures to the florist to get a quote.

Start with the florist about 4 months before the wedding

Make a flower budget and stick with it. This is one area you probably don't want to stretch yourself too thin.

Less bridesmaids means less bouquets. Or maybe the bridesmaids can carey something other than fresh flowers. Dried flowers are nice. Or perhaps a basket with 1 flower and lots of ribon.

Having exravagant floral centerpieces on all the tables will run  your flower budget up (probably over 10%). Consider floating candle centerpieces or some other alternative.

Flowers cost more around Mother's Day, Valentines, and during prom season (April-May). You can save on the flower budget depending on when you schedule your wedding.

The traditional flower color for bridal bouquet is white.

Meanings of flowers:
Rose: Love everlasting
Daisy: Harmony and peace
White Chrysanthemum: Truth
Gardenia; Hidden love
Lilac: Humility
Forget-me-not: True love
 

Potential flower list
 You should probably not go with all of these unless you have a pretty high budget. Many are substitutable with dried flowers, single flowers with ribbon, or potpourri baskets.

___ Matching bouquets for bridesmaids
___ Wreaths for the front entrance of the venue
___ Table centerpieces
___ Boutonniers and corsages for the wedding party
___ Bouquet or basket for flowergirl or flowerchild
___ Headpiece
___ Corsages for both mothers.
___ A single or double altar arrangement.
___ Corsages for any grandmothers in attendance
___ Bouquet toss bouquet...
       Note: You may need duplicate for saving keepsake. Or get a small one
       that can be split in two so both bride and bridesmaid can keep one.